Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Jeep Patriot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that there was a rattling noise coming from under the hood of the vehicle while driving. On another occasion while driving approximately 20 MPH, the speedometer went 0 MPH and failed to function as needed. The vehicle stalled shortly afterward and was coasted to the side of the roadway. The contact had the vehicle towed from the scene. The contact stated the failure occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,362.
Vehicle has a bad wheel bearing. While replacing wheel bearing noticed that the rear subframe was completely rotted/rusted. The corrosion on the rear subframe is far worse than the rest of the vehicle. This vehicle is unsafe to drive in its current state as the crossmember could collapse causing a loss of control of the vehicle. Upon doing some research it is clear that Chrysler knows that this is a issue. I cannot believe that there hasn't been a recall to replace these subframes. I guess its going to take a major accident or worse to before anything will get done. I have included pictures of the crossmember as well as the undercarriage of the vehicle for comparison.
The component that failed was the front, driver's side subframe. This component and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The sudden and unexpected failure of the subframe on the vehicle, due to excessive rust corrosion, precipitated a series of hazardous events that significantly compromised not only my own safety but also the safety of others on the road. While driving at a low speed, the detachment of the wheel hub and CV axle joint led to a complete loss of vehicle control. This mechanical failure was further exacerbated by the total loss of transmission fluid, which leaked onto the road, potentially creating a slippery and dangerous surface for other road users. …
I was driving in wausau, my Jeep stopped, I accelerated-nothing. I had cars behind me honking and the one directly behind me was coming up fast, I steered to the right and managed to make it into a snowbank. I turned my car off, restarted it. Sat for about 10 mins with hazards on and was able to drive back home to eau claire. In February I replaced my transmission. My transmission never went out. My vehicle would just get stuck in reverse, I'd have to put in drive, back to reverse, then to drive again to go. In addition I had two more episodes, one with my twelve year old in the vehicle with me where it just stopped accelerating. So I have a new transmission in. I have also filed a separate complaint regarding tread wear on now tires, but it's a few weeks later and something still isn't right. …
2nd time my transmission stall while on the interstate due to transmission overheating light comes on and vehicle will stall and not accelerate past 40 MPH. I had to move over three lanes to pull over on the side of i15 n with vehicles coming up to 70 MPH. Happy to be alive and that I was not hit. This is the 2nd time this issue happens to me and it seems like Jeep is waiting for someone to get kill to fix their CVT transmission issues. Chrysler/ Jeep know that is an ongoing issue and do not care to fix it. Took it both times to dealer and "is nothing" is what I am told every time "is a fluke in a code" "just pull over and let it cool every time it happens" and well "we don't have a fix for it". They only recommended to replace fluid but did not warranty this will fix problem. Obviously there is something wrong when so many people keep on complaining about this issue. …
We have had three incidents so far of our 2011 Jeep Patriot losing significant power and struggling to accelerate. The first involved overheating on a mountain road after a long road trip. Allowing the car to rest allowed us to make it to our destination with no further symptoms during the remainder of our trip. Twice in the last week rpms drop unless burying the accelerator into the floor, at which point there is a loud whining sound with little to show in terms of speed. We have been unable to get the speed over 55 MPH on a highway with a speed limit of 70. We also lose the ability to adjust the gear manually. After exiting the highway the car continues to be slow to gain speed at lights, and worse making it uphill to our home, even at 25 MPH. After resting the issue subsides until returning without warning. …
I was driving on nb I-5 in a 2005 Subaru. The vehicle in front of me was this 2011 Jeep Patriot that I am complaining about. We were driving approx. 65mph. I was not tailgatting! The Jeep Patriot's power died. The driver thought she was not getting gas and kept hitting the gas pedal. She never hit the brake. I did not see a brake light and it took me a couple seconds to realize she had slowed, then stopped (that is why I put she was going approx. 30mph). Research shows it takes 2-1/2 time longer to brake if you do not see brake lights. She did not pull over to the median. Needless to say, by the time I slammed on my brakes, I hit her. I was still going about 55mph. My airbags deployed. My 85 year old mother was in the car with me and was seriously injured. I was also injured but was able to recover in a matter of 6-8 weeks. …
While driving up a long highway hill on a very hot day, the transmission started making a high pitched whining sound. I pulled over to the shoulder to see if I could see anything leaking etc. After finding nothing obvious I reentered traffic and it was fine until we hit the next hill, and the whining started again. On the downside of the hill the sound went away. Once I got to my destination I looked online and saw complaints of transmission fluid overheating causing the same issue. The ride home was at night and after I dropped off my passengers and there were no problems. Since that time I've noticed occasional "bucking" when driving on flat smooth highway. I made an appointment at my local dealer to check this out. I explained both the bucking and the whining, but they didn't seem too concerned. They updated the software and sent me on my way. …
Rear sub frame that attaches to the uni body rusted completely through at a cross member. This sub frame is what mounts the entire rear suspension and drive line to the vehicle. Vehicle was purchased aug. 2011 and has 98.000miles on it. Also have had problems with wheel bearings. Not including the factory set, we had to replace the wheel bearings (all 4) 3 times. No accidents/injuries were caused by these because they were repaired prior to them getting to bad. Vehicle is currently parked due to safety concerns with the rear suspension. Substandard steel for cross members and wheel bearing issues with these vehicles are known at Chrysler/Jeep, when I ordered the wheel bearings staff working parts counter joked about another one sold. When I called the salesmen about the cross member issue I was told that it is known and they replaced several recently at owners expense. …
This vehicle has had the transmission control module (TCM) replaced three times by a certified Jeep dealer. The faulty TCM causes the Jeep to barely start or to suddenly cause the Jeep to lose power if driving and only go about 5 MPH in reverse or first gear. Also, the traction control, transmission temperature and check engine lights were on. The TCM has failed once when the vehicle was stationary and twice when moving. It takes at least a week for the dealer to order and install a replacement TCM, leaving me without my Jeep and causing me to lose any confidence in my vehicle. I complained to both carmax, where I bought the Jeep; and to Chrysler Jeep, which holds the drivetrain warranty. Both complaints were rebuffed as not being valid. I tried to upload my documentation but couldn't. I can send it to you via email or fax. …
Transmission complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 Jeep Patriot, 16% of the model year's 326 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Jeep Patriot transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2011 Jeep Patriot, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Jeep Patriot transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.